We EXPECT to leave our doctors’ and dentists’ with the next appointment in hand. This was not a common practice 20 to 25 years ago. It took time to make that discussion an expectation rather than a suggestion. This booking concept was first proposed for veterinary practices in 2015 by AAHA and Partners for Healthy Pets, among others. There is little evidence that it is … [Read more...]
The nervous horse; a book excerpt
In this excerpt from “Passing it On: A Continuing Journey Into Honest Horsemanship,” author Tom Moates shares horse Jubal’s tendency for a major meltdown and how he coaxes the gelding back to sanity. Horse owners will appreciate this story and the links to additional resources. Source: AQHA Daily, March 19, 2018. The strong magnetic attraction people experience for Jubal is … [Read more...]
Engagement, experience and relevancy highlight Bridge Club activities
We posted the sell-out results of the Bridge Club event that focused on the Veterinary Nurse initiative last week. Bridge Club founder, Catherine Haskins, summarized audience interactions and Ken Yagi’s responses for AHD: The big question asked by the community was “why?” According to Yagi, the effort started with many veterinary technicians asking how the profession could … [Read more...]
Clean up to reduce stable fly population
The manure and waste hay from a single feeding site can produce more than 1 million stable flies. On a smaller scale, the same thing happens on acreages or in backyards where manure and feces have piled up over the winter. Stable flies are also known as biting house flies and are slightly smaller than house flies. Source: Beef, March 8, 2018. Data from the “Managing Stable … [Read more...]
Rabbits die by the hundreds in Canadian city
Experts in British Columbia are advising rabbit owners to be cautious as the number of dead rabbits infected with rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) increases. The disease, caused by a calicivirus is native to domestic rabbits of European origin and pet rabbits are at risk, but not other animals. “I would be very careful if I had a domestic rabbit,” said Helen Schwantje, DVM. … [Read more...]
PetIQ, Inc., opening 20 veterinary clinics in Walmart
This recent announcement begins PetIQ's plan to expand veterinary services to leading retailers following the acquisition of VIP Petcare this past January. PetIQ has plans to open more than 1,000 additional veterinary services clinics, in retail-partner locations, through 2023. Today, PetIQ and VIP serve more than 40 retail partners representing more than 60,000 … [Read more...]
Dog flu is as mobile as we are
It’s unknown how many dogs have been affected by canine influenza because it isn’t a reportable disease in the U.S. Lack of testing is one reason it’s unclear how many have the virus. Canine flu spreads in one of two ways: movement of infective dogs between communities and movement of contaminated people between dogs. So, canine influenza may be considered a lifestyle disease … [Read more...]
Nationwide reveals annual cost of common health conditions
Canine periodontitis and feline diabetes are the most expensive health conditions to treat, according pet insurer Nationwide. It identified the top 10 medical conditions that affect dogs and cats and their associated costs. Here’s a sample: Top 3 of 10 most common medical conditions for dogs Atopic or allergic dermatitis – average cost to treat: $255 Otitis externa – … [Read more...]
Self-management is a long-distance race
This is the work of self-management: building the intellectual, emotional and behavioral muscles to modulate our thoughts, emotions and reactions to triggers that lead to ingrained behaviors. This change doesn’t happen overnight after our big epiphanies. Source: Key Step Media, February 2018. With the right skill-building, supports, and self-discipline, we can build new … [Read more...]
Lead from where you are
It is time to update our thinking, asserts Christina Folz. She offers some tips to help you succeed as a leader: Accept failure Accept who you are Build relationships early Question everything Find people who challenge you Take initiative Source: HR Magazine, December 12, 2017. We live in a world where “traditional authority has less and less currency, … [Read more...]
Cycle counting inventories
Cycle counting is a process of counting a small, predetermined set of goods and materials frequently, as opposed to completing a full physical inventory each year. The objective of cycle counting is to determine records that are incorrect, correct the cause of errors, close process loopholes and improve upon human error. Another benefit is having inventory on hand when … [Read more...]
Dogs favor baby talk
A new study by researchers at the University of York in England shows that the way we talk to our dogs plays an important part in building relationships with them, similar to the way that talking baby talk to infants helps them bond with adults. Source: AAHA NEWStat, March 7, 2018. Previous studies on how humans communicate with dogs suggest that using dog-directed speech … [Read more...]
Wild pig invasion affects Japan
Southern U.S. residents aren’t alone in their frustrations with wild pig invasions. Rural Japan is inundated by them and the problem is growing. As the country’s aging population dies or moves from farms, wild pigs quickly move into the abandoned rice patties and buildings. The feral critters have been common in southern parts of the country for years, showing up in train … [Read more...]
Best dog harnesses of 2018
Whether it is to reduce pulling, avoid trachea injuries or gain a mechanical advantage, dog harnesses are beneficial.Pat Miller updates the dog harness information from the April 2017 article we posted in AHD, March 29, 2017. Miller uses a 0 to 4 paw rating when identifying the best harnesses. Pet owners will appreciate this information. Consider using it on websites, social … [Read more...]
Tips for separation anxiety in dogs (includes video)
Treating separation anxiety in dogs can vary depending on the level of nervousness a dog feels. Every case is different, says Kimberly Alt. Some dogs will respond well to the strategies shared here, while others will require more persistence. Source: Canine Journal, November 17, 2017. Alt discusses counter-conditioning for mild separation anxiety. She reminds us that … [Read more...]
A look at the most common life mistakes young people make (infographic)
Our industry is being challenged to address suicide and job satisfaction challenges previously unrecognized. James Altucher asserts, Here’s the truth: you can’t fail as a kid. He sometimes gets messages like, “I’m 23 and I failed and now I don’t know what to do.” No, you didn’t fail. Yes, you do know what to do. Just do the next thing. That’s all you have to … [Read more...]
Leopards help keep rabies in check in Mumbai
Mumbai residents can likely thank leopards for reducing the number of potential rabies cases and perhaps even saving lives according to a paper publishing in the Ecological Society of America Journal last week. Researchers suggest that leopards roaming the nearby Sanjay Gandhi National Park hunt and kill dogs in and around villages; enough so that dogs make up about 40 percent … [Read more...]
Old kangaroo gets cryotherapy
A 15-year-old Kangaroo in the Bronx Zoo is getting some pricey cryotherapy treatment for arthritis. Zoo director Jim Breheny says the treatment is but one course of healing the 200 medical experts at the zoo use to treat 7,000 species. Source: Associated Press, March 11, 2018. Dave’s saga with localized cryotherapy treatment will be documented by Animal Planet’s latest … [Read more...]
Pregnancy, babies, and the family dog(s)
Jennifer Messer writes about the challenges of bringing a new baby home and the apprehensive fears from well-intentioned family and friends. The article shows preparation and continues with the rest of the story one year later. She summarizes that dogs and kids can be a golden combination with a plethora of health and social benefits, but they do require informed guardians who … [Read more...]
How to tell a coworker their personal habits are disgusting
It’s inevitable. Bad habits creep into workplaces. Liz Ryan addresses a question from a reader whose coworker uses her desk as an extension of the bathroom. Maybe it is time for all of us to double-check our habits. Source: Forbes, March 9, 2018. Speak up, regardless of how socially awkward the situation., Ryan says. She shares 10 things never, ever to do at your … [Read more...]
New style bee hive is attractive to old and new beekeepers
Solving the challenges of harvesting honey without donning an uncomfortable bee suit, smoking out the bees and going through steps that could kill bees in the process, the popular Flow Hive is bringing bees and beekeepers to backyards. Considering bees fall under the VFD rules, understanding this technology is important for animal health pros. Source: Fast Company, March 9, … [Read more...]
Pay attention to antibiotic use in bees
Beekeepers and their veterinarians must pay close attention to how they use antibiotics in bees, says the FDA. The agency released recommendations for using antimicrobial drugs in question-and-answer form last year. The document is written to help DVMs and beekeepers in using approved VFD prescription products. Source: Infectious Disease Special Edition, January 12, … [Read more...]
Amazon embraces chaos for its efficiency
Amazon is an eight-ton gorilla that animal health pros watch, fear; yet use for personal purchases. Sara Kessler writes about the company’s elaborate systems that have completely redefined warehouse efficiency and customer convenience. Much of the efficiency is supported by technology, robotics and ultimately moving product to people, rather than moving people to the products … [Read more...]
Veterinary Medicine Essentials: diabetes mellitus
By assembling articles on cat and dog diabetes, the dvm360 team provides a package that covers diagnostic steps and treatment plan guidance. Along with the latest updates, they offer resources to share with your veterinary team and clients. Source: Veterinary Medicine, February 15, 2018. The package includes tips on which insulin to use, how to best monitor glucose … [Read more...]
Nasal discharge in dogs could be more than one thing. (diagnostic guide)
Douglas Palma, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), has a special interest in respiratory medicine. He trains interns and residents in internal medicine and is residency director for ACVIM. His educational experiences show in this diagnostic chart to help animal health pros move quickly toward a diagnosis when a dog is presented with nasal discharge. Source: Clinician’s Brief, February … [Read more...]
Chickens are now elite status symbols
We share this article so that we all better understand backyard chicken market challenges, especially those in Silicon Valley. Peter Holley references birds in diapers, deluxe coops outfitted with solar panels, automated doors and electrical lighting, as well as video cameras that allow owners to check on their beloved birds remotely. Source: The Washington Post, March 2, … [Read more...]
Touch birds. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
2017 was a record year for salmonella infections in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We’ve mentioned it several times in the Bulletin, but it the message to wash one’s hands after handling backyard birds needs repeating more than ever, according to Craig Coufal, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension poultry specialist. Source: High Plains … [Read more...]
9 phrases to avoid that will help you look more professional
It’s not always easy to write exactly what you want to say. We, yes even those of us at AHD, often fall back on words and phrases that come easily. Unfortunately, these often make us look weak and unprofessional. Danny Rubin offers nine words and phrases to avoid in our writing. Source: Ladders, March 2, 2018. As you compose emails, documents (and in conversation too), … [Read more...]
Equine law for 2018 and beyond
Julie Fershtman, one of the nation’s most experienced equine law practitioners, offers suggestions for horse industry persons. She warns against handshakes and to update working knowledge of equine activity liability acts. Source: Arabian Horse Couture Magazine, February 2018, page 64. Make 2018 a year of attention to legal matters to stay safe and protect yourself, says … [Read more...]
Opinion – The era of the buyer is underway
Consider this article in the context of telehealth and telemedicine for both B2B and B2C entities in animal health. But, think about B2C telemedicine in the digital context of voice-activated systems on counters in homes instead of a phone on your desk. Once again, I ask veterinary team members to accept sales as the creation of a transaction. Jay Malowney asserts, … [Read more...]